EXCLUSIVE: Fresh from her Oscar-nominated performance in American Hustle, Amy Adams is in early talks to team with Prisoners helmer Denis Villeneuve on Story Of Your Life, the sci-fi thriller based on a short story by Ted Chiang, a top contemporary author in the genre. Scripted by Eric Heisserer, the thriller takes place after alien crafts land around the world. An expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat. As she learns to communicate with the aliens, she begins experiencing vivid flashbacks that become the key to unlocking the greater mystery about the true purpose of their visit. It would be a departure for both Adams and Villeneuve, who broke through with Incendies.

FilmNation Entertainment, in partnership with Lava Bear Films, is financing, producing and handling worldwide sales for the project. The producers are 21 Laps’ Shawn Levy and Dan Levine along with FilmNation and Lava Bear. Heisserer is also executive producing. FilmNation’s Aaron Ryder and Karen Lunder will oversee production for FilmNation, along with Tory Metzger on behalf of Lava Bear and Levine and Dan Cohen at 21 Laps. Adams, who wrapped the Tim Burton-directed Big Eyes opposite Christoph Waltz, is repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment.